Rab: Scottish winter gear highlights

Winter certainly has its challenges. As we transition from cursing the cold, wet weather to dreaming of icy mountains and bluebird skies, our eyes look north to Scotland and the up and coming season. But Scottish Winter is a fickle monster, offering some of the best and most testing conditions in the world.

The Valiance is the ultimate warm and waterproof down jacket. Knowing a dry day is a rare occurrence in Scotland, this jacket is made with a durable, waterproof Pertex outer and filled with the highest quality 800 fill power hydrophobic down. As the weather deteriorates, the insulated, helmet compatible hood, adjustable cuffs and hem allow you to bury deep into the jacket - providing welcome sanctuary from the storm.

Beneath your outer layer, you need a mid-layer that can cope with the demands of a hard, sweaty walk in as well the long, freezing wait on a baltic belay. Radically reinventing the traditional mid-layer, the Alpha Flash provides warmth when you are stationary but is exceptionally breathable when you're on the move. Made from Polartec Alpha, the fabric wicks moisture at an incredible rate, keeping you warm and dry even when you're right at your physical limit.

When the weather turns from bad to worse, our Latok Bib and Jacket come into their own. From whirling spindrift to battering rain, the Latok is designed for prolonged action in bad weather or deep snow. Made using exceptionally durable eVent fabric with a DV expedition membrane you can be sure of protection as you do battle with the elements.

Cold hands are arguably part and parcel of winter climbing; however, you can minimise the suffering. Our Vengeance gloves are a robust, hardwearing alpine gauntlet, while the Vendetta are similar in design, however, have a low cut cuff. Both have Matrix™ outer fabric offering a hardy protective layer, while the total waterproofing comes from a custom fit OutDry® waterproof insert – a feature which allows you to slide cold hands easily into the gloves without snagging.

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